CALIFORNIA CENTRAL SIERRA
We're diving into the raw, unfiltered vibes of California's hidden gems – the gritty and glorious tapestry of San Jose, Merced, Sierra Foothills, Visalia, Kernville, and Bakersfield. This is no cookie-cutter adventure; it's a wild ride through the beating heart of the California Central Sierra.
But hold on, because nestled within these rugged landscapes lies the true jewel – the giant sequoias. Only here, on the defiant slopes of the Sierra Nevada, do these colossal redwoods call home. Words can't capture their grandeur; you have to witness it, breathe it, and let the enormity of nature's rebellion envelop you.
On this special trip, we venture beyond the ordinary and explore the gems along Highway 99, an unsung hero often overshadowed by the glamour of the Pacific Coast Highway. Formerly part of the iconic US Route 99, a lifeline from the US–Mexico border to the US–Canada border, this road pulsates with history, echoing the journeys of Dust Bowl immigrants.
This isn't just a corridor; it's the Central Valley, a powerhouse of American agriculture, cultivating over 250 crops that adorn a third of the nation's tables. Traditionally a business traveler's haven, the region now sees a rebirth, with new hotels breathing life into historic gems along the Golden State Highway. Ditch the cookie-cutter hotels and immerse yourself in the allure of these meticulously restored historic boutique hotels.
This is no postcard perfection; it's the edgy, authentic embrace of California's wild side. So, pack your curiosity, leave the clichés at the door, and let the California High Sierra reveal its untamed, unapologetic allure. It's time to venture off the beaten path – because the real California is waiting for those bold enough to seek it.
ARRIVAL DAY - SAN JOSE
Welcome to the vibrant city of San Jose, California, where modern innovation meets rich historical charm. As you step off the plane, you'll be embraced by the city's energetic atmosphere and diverse cultural influences. Your journey continues with a seamless transfer to the iconic and historically significant Hayes Mansion, a lavish retreat that whispers tales of the past. Nestled in the heart of San Jose, this timeless gem invites you to immerse yourself in its storied history and experience the perfect blend of luxury and legacy. Get ready to embark on a captivating adventure that transcends time as you explore the enchanting surroundings of The Hayes Mansion.
*Guests have the option to arrive directly at San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) or, alternatively, 35 minutes north at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), depending on individual preferences and convenience. Choose the airport that best aligns with your travel needs and preferences.
O/N Hayes Mansion
D1 SAN JOSE TO MERCED
90.5 mi / 7,082 Ft
145.5 km / 2,158m
Get ready to ignite your spirit! We're launching a full-throttle rebellion from the tech-charged streets of San Jose, catapulting over the formidable Mt. Hamilton, and tearing through the rugged heart of the San Antonio Valley. This is no leisurely ride; it's a gritty, asphalt-stomping saga where the road becomes your canvas, and the wind carries the echoes of defiance.
But hold on – this is just the prologue. After conquering nature's rollercoaster, it's a quick transfer to Merced, where the El Capitan Hotel stands tall – a living testament to the relentless spirit of the road. This isn't your run-of-the-mill pit stop; it's a historical haven calling out to the wild at heart.
End today's ride at the awesome Dust Bowl Brewing, a whopping 30,000 sq. ft brewery and eatery. Sip on a refreshing cold brew before our breezy 30-minute transfer to Merced!
Dive headfirst into the epicenter of culinary scene in Merced's Central Valley – the birthplace of a quarter of all U.S. grub. Rainbird, the small eatery, flips the script on farm-to-table dining. Under the daring command of Chef Quentin Garcia, Rainbird beckons us with a five-course dinner, an ode to inventive entrees served on artistic dishes that redefine dining aesthetics.
But wait – there's more. The cocktail program is a masterstroke, crafting libations that mirror Merced's fertile grounds. And for teetotalers, fear not – Rainbird's zero-proof cocktails are creative as well.
O/N El Capitan Hotel
Dining Rainbird
El Capitan Hotel - Merced
D2 mERCED TO OAKHURST
85.4 mi / 7,383 Ft
137.4 km / 2,250 m
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping journey down the serpentine tales of Ben Hur and Grub Gulch roads, a winding path slicing through the untamed splendor of Mariposa County. It's a plunge into the past, where ghost towns, mines, and bar brawls reverberate through the rugged canyons.
As you cruise into Raymond, the pulse of history quickens. Once known as Wild Cat Station, this town proudly served as the northern terminus of the San Joaquin Valley and Yosemite Railroad. A key stagecoach stop en route to Yosemite's Wawona Road, Raymond's legacy is etched in the rails of a bygone era, with echoes of lumber and granite shipping adding to its wild chronicles. Brace yourself for a ride where every twist and turn reveals a chapter of California's wild yesteryears.
Established in 1849, Grub Gulch earned its moniker from miners who panned gold to "grubstake themselves into better times." Step into the faded footprints of a town that flourished after the discovery at the Gambetta Mine in 1880, boasting legends like the Mammoth Mine, Enterprise Mine, and the Josephine Mine.
Legend has it that Grub Gulch, at its zenith, hosted 5000 souls, featuring two hotels, a rooming house, and five saloons—a Wild West essentials list missing only a church. In 1920, Grub Gulch met its fiery demise, leaving behind tales of Friday night brawls and rugged justice.
San Juaquin Valley
D3 OAKHURST TO WONDER VALLEY RANCH
72.4 mi / 6,217 Ft
116.4 km / 2,373 m
Rev up for a thrilling journey through the rugged Sierra foothills, starting at Bass Lake's 3,370-foot perch on the Sierra Nevada's western slope. As you pedal, embrace the history-rich adventure through North Fork, a resilient town born in the mid-1800s to supply lumber for gold miners. Despite industry shifts, North Fork has undergone a renaissance, revealing its historic charm.
Inhale the spirit of adventure as you roll through North Fork, a gateway to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and a cultural time capsule of the Sierra Nevada's past. Continue your ride to Auberry, where Old Auberry whispers tales of a frontier with visible remnants of its original structures. New Auberry, shaped by John Eastwood's hydroelectric projects, adds a modern twist.
Delve into Auberry's past—the Chinese community, industrial shifts, and the town's serene evolution. Today, Auberry magnetizes geotourists, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts with its eclectic vibe, diverse programs, and a community echoing the spirit of pioneers. CSA farms, historic cottages, and local businesses make Auberry a vibrant town refusing to conform. It's more than a ride; it's a gritty journey through time, exploring a town as wild as the Sierra Nevada itself.
D4 WONDER VALLEY TO VISALIA
72.3 mi / 5,554 Ft
116.4 km / 1,796 m
Embark on a thrilling cycling journey through the untamed beauty of Yokuts Valley in Fresno County. Brace yourself for a visual feast as the Sierra Nevada mountains unfold, adorned with California Poppies, Lupine, Redbud, and the grandeur of Giant Sequoias.
As you ascend towards the Sierra Nevada Mountains, witness the shifting palette of the "Golden Hills of California." Traverse the Squaw Valley-Miramonte AVA, where vineyards thrive against a backdrop of clay, limestone, and decomposed granite, cultivating unique varietals like Aglianico, Mourvèdre, and the rare Carménere.
Pinehurst, a logging community with a rich past, reveals its tale as you reach Hogs Back Road. Enjoy a breathtaking 70 km descent into Visalia, where the Yokuts Valley journey concludes, leaving indelible memories of California's scenic landscape.
Finish your adventure in Visalia, where The Darling Hotel rises from the remnants of the Tulare County Courthouse Annex. Resurrected in 2020 by five local families, this art deco gem features 32 rooms, marble-tiled bathrooms, and modern amenities. Dive into the outdoor heated pool.
Crowning this haven is Visalia's only rooftop sanctuary, The Elderwood, offering craft cocktails and locally sourced delicacies. The Darling Hotel stands as a testament to local grit, inviting you to experience the unfiltered soul of Visalia.
O/N The Darling Hotel
Dining The Elderwood
The Darling Hotel- Vasalia
D5 VISALIA TO KERNVILLE
107 mi / 10,521 Ft
172 km / 3,207 m
Embark on the Queens Stage, an epic journey from Visalia to the heart of the Sierra Foothills, tracing the daring path of CA-190, the Western Divide Highway. Our adventure kicks off in the quaint hideout of Springville, a perfect launchpad for Southern Sierra Range exploration. Brace yourself for 'Endlessly Twisty' terrain as we conquer Highway 190, the southernmost Sierra Nevada Mountain road.
Prepare for a rollercoaster of curves—250 of them crammed into just 25 miles, as local lore has it. Highway 190 dances along the Tule River, offering a thrill akin to a daredevil on the edge of reason. Once feeding into the vanished Tulare Lake, the Tule River now showcases its winding beauty. This waterway isn't just a serpentine road companion; it's also home to secluded swimming holes, guarded by imposing granite boulders—an ideal spot for cliff diving enthusiasts.
As we navigate the relentless curves for the next 20 miles, the road transforms into a restless child, an unending dance of twists and turns. Smooth asphalt, minimal road debris—ensuring an uninterrupted thrill. The Tule River Canyon unveils itself, with lush hillsides on one side and rugged granite outcrops on the other. The latter half of our ride leads us to the Kern River Highway—a narrow, serene ribbon of asphalt promising solitude and the hum of the open road. Get ready for a ride echoing with the river's roar and the thunderous cadence of never-ending curves.
Enter Kern River Brewing. Founded in 2005 by Eric and Rebecca Giddens, this brewery embodies family, community, and a damn good quality of life.
Tonight promises a wild ride—a private tour of the brewing lair with brewmaster Eric. Picture the scent of hops, the clink of glasses in the brewery's sacred halls. After the tour, a feast awaits in the pub restaurant—a celebration for those who've conquered the rugged road. Raise a glass to a day fueled by adrenaline, grit, and a touch of rebellion on two wheels! Cheers to the relentless pursuit of freedom, one pedal stroke at a time!
Kern River Brewing
D6 KERNVILLE TO BAKERSFIELD
72 mi / 6,694 Ft
115 km / 2,040 m
Our ultimate escapade leads us along the shores of Lake Isabella, conquering the mighty Kern River, and charging into the heart of Havilah via the untamed Caliente Bodfish road. Brace yourself for the thrill as we commence the ascent to Breckenridge Mountain, navigating a perilous one-lane stretch of asphalt on Forest Road 28S08.
Hold tight for the heart-pounding descent that ensues, slicing through a clandestine one-lane route that will awe Bakersfield. It's a covert journey, a hidden road whispering tales of speed and rebellion.
As we thunder into Bakersfield, we pay tribute to the Bakersfield sound—a sub-genre born in California's rebellious heart in the late '50s. This isn't your typical country; it's a fusion of rock and roll, honky-tonk grit, and the electrifying pulse of Bakersfield's soul. Immerse yourself in the vibes of this outlaw sound, the perfect anthem to conclude our epic journey through California's wild and rebellious roads.
Cap off this journey with a stop at The Padre Hotel, nestled in the heart of Bakersfield, CA. Once echoing with ghost stories since its 1928 debut, The Padre has shed its spooky reputation for a roaring comeback.
Visualize this: an eight-story honky-tonk haven, Spanish Colonial Revival style, standing tall and proud, weathering the storms of the wild '60s. Fast-forward to today, and The Padre isn't just a place—it's Bakersfield's only AAA four-diamond oasis. It's a blend of yesteryear's charm and today's glitz, a true honky-tonk hero. So step inside, experience modern luxury wrapped in historic vibes, where lively beats replace ghostly moans in this revitalized icon.
Get ready to dance at Prairie Fire, where the party reaches new heights! Kick back with a view that rivals the Fox Theatre, all from our funky rooftop perch in downtown Bakersfield. We're shaking up wild concoctions at the bar—creative elixirs that'll tantalize your taste buds and set the night ablaze.
O/N The Padre Hotel
Padre Hotel
D7 TRANSFER SAN JOSE OR LAX
The power is in your hands—opt for a 2-hour and 20-minute detour to LAX from Bakersfield, or roll with the crew and embark on a 4-hour and 20-minute journey back to the San Jose Airport. Keep in mind, the LAX detour doesn't come bundled in the trip price; it's a wild card we play by tapping into third-party vendors and transport wizards to handle that switcheroo. If you would like to arrange a shuttle from Bakersfield, or, rent a car to LAX, please discuss with us the options available prior to booking your flight.
